The cell theory is a scientific theory that describes the basic properties of cells. The three main ideas of the cell theory are identified below in bolded text. Underneath each main idea is a short explanation on how that statement relates to the human body.
1. Cells are the smallest unit of life.
Humans are composed of many, many cells. Therefore, humans are multicellular. Particles that are smaller than cells are not considered to be living. For example, proteins are major structural biomolecules within the human body. However, proteins are not living because they are not cells.
2. Cells can only come from other living cells.
Living things can only come from other living things. This phenomenon is called biogenesis. The process that makes more somatic cells is called mitosis. The process that makes more sex cells is called meiosis.
3. All living things are made of cells.
Organisms can be multicellular or unicellular, heterotrophic or autotrophic, eukaryotic or prokaryotic. Despite this wide range of diversity amongst living things, all living things are made of cells. Humans are multicellular heterotrophic organisms that are composed of eukaryotic animal cells.
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